The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 8

At least, Jocelyn thought, Diana hadn't named her something awful, like Hope, as if she were just a placeholder for the real child they wanted.

Now, hearing Jocelyn's words, Diana's heart skipped a beat. Her anger subsided, but her tone was still sharp.

"Are you looking down on us now that our family has fallen on hard times? Do you think we're not good enough for you, the great Mrs. Lowell?"

Jocelyn heard the front door open, followed by familiar footsteps.

Diana continued, "Your father is so stressed that his health is failing. Don't you even care if he lives or dies?"

So, when being harsh didn't work, she switched to guilt?

Jocelyn had to admit, it was an effective tactic.

Marcus Evans had always been kind to Jocelyn.

Adrian had already walked into the room. In his presence, Jocelyn didn't want to say any more.

"I get it."

She hung up.

Adrian took off his jacket and sat down in the chair opposite her.

"Who was that?"

Jocelyn answered calmly, "My mother."

"What did she want?"

"She said I was an ungrateful daughter for not visiting more often."

Adrian's smile was unreadable. "Since when does she care so much about you?"

Jocelyn replied, "Maybe she had a change of heart."

Adrian didn't pursue the topic and glanced towards the kitchen.

"What's Maria busy with?"

Jocelyn noticed that Adrian seemed unusually talkative today.

"Making homemade pasta."

"Homemade pasta?"

Jocelyn raised an eyebrow slightly. "As in, made from scratch, Adrian."

Sensing the dismissive, almost mocking tone in her voice, Adrian surprisingly didn't get angry.

"I know it. Jo, do I really seem that out of touch?"

Jocelyn ignored him.

Maria brought out a steaming bowl of pasta.

The aroma was tantalizing, and it looked delicious.

Adrian said, "I'll have a bowl too."

Maria feigned surprise. "Mr. Lowell, don't you have to take the bone broth to Audrey? It's ready. I'll pack it up for you. You should hurry, or she'll be hungry."

Jocelyn thought, "You're a lifesaver, Maria!".

Adrian was taken aback. "I've been so busy lately, I forgot."

Jocelyn deliberately said nothing.

"I'll make it up to you with a gift."

Jocelyn replied, "More than a gift, what I care about is whether or not you have me in your heart."

Adrian's dark eyes flickered. He cut straight to the point.

"What do you want for your birthday?"

"Anything?"

"As long as it's within my means."

"I want The 'Savior' Pendant," Jocelyn said calmly. "After your brother and Audrey got married, he gave her his pendant. Why don't you give yours to me?"

The guilt in Adrian's eyes was unmistakable.

Jocelyn caught it but pretended not to notice, her voice softening. "Are you unwilling to part with it?"

Adrian stammered, "That pendant..."

"Alright." Jocelyn smiled faintly. "I know it's a Lowell family heirloom. I shouldn't ask for it. I'll choose something else."

Adrian let out a silent sigh of relief. "Okay, what do you want?"

Jocelyn replied, "The Astoria."